2655. Deputy Eoghan Kenny asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine following the publication of the towards a just transition in agriculture and land use report and its recommendations, if the Minister will establish a targeted support package for young farmers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [58842/26]

The recently published Just Transition Commission Report includes a recommendation for the development and implementation by Government of a comprehensive strategy for generational renewal, including targeted supports for young farmers and measures to improve access to land for new entrants.

Supporting young farmers is critically important to ensure a bright future for the agri-food sector. A range of supports are currently in place to encourage timely succession, facilitate generational renewal and assist young farmers in establishing viable farm businesses.

Ireland’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 provides substantial resources to achieving generational renewal and measures include the Complementary Income Support for Young Farmers (CIS-YF); the National Reserve Scheme, which prioritises young farmers; and a higher grant rate of 60% for qualified young farmers under the TAMS capital investment measure. A Collaborative Farming Grant Scheme provides financial support to encourage farmers to form partnerships with young, trained farmers and the Succession Planning Advice Grant provides financial support towards the costs incurred for independent legal and financial advice for older farmers about succession planning.

Nationally, there are strong taxation measures to facilitate succession and assist land mobility. For succession, Agricultural Relief is the key measure, along with 100% Stamp Duty Relief and Consanguinity Stamp Duty Relief. Long-term leasing income tax relief supports access to land for young farmers and provides a route to retirement for older farmers.

In addition, the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) provides low-cost, long-term investment loans up to ten years, and is a viable source of finance for young farmers. Teagasc education and knowledge activities focus on equipping young farmers with necessary education, training and advice to build long and successful careers in farming. Teagasc also run annual “Transferring the Family Farm” clinics to guide farmers on succession.

The Report of the Commission on Generational Renewal in Farming estimated that total financial support to generational renewal in Ireland was some €428.6m in 2024. It was necessary however to consider whether existing supports are having the desired effect, and how supports might best be configured for the future. The Commission produced a thorough analysis and made 31 recommendations across a wide range of areas. An implementation group in my Department has considered the recommendations and progress is being monitored on an ongoing basis. This work will ensure that Ireland has a well-researched basis to make optimal use of the policy tools available to encourage young people, who are the lifeblood of farming, into the sector.

The EU Vision for Agriculture and Food identified generational renewal as a priority, and this has been reflected in the proposals for a post 2027 Common Agricultural Policy. The European Commission has also presented its ‘Strategy for Generational Renewal in Agriculture'. The increased focus on generational renewal at EU level is welcome and the EU strategy comes to many of the same conclusions as our own Commission.